Presentation Information
[PD4-01]Climate Stories Under the Dome: Place-Based Storytelling for a Changing World
*Tiffany Stone Wolbrecht1,2, Shannon Schmoll3,4,5, Shawn Laatsch9,10, Jacque Benitez8, Dani Leblanc6,7,5 (1. AUI (USA), 2. Charles Sturt University (Australia), 3. Abrams Planetarium (USA), 4. Michigan State University (USA), 5. IPS (USA), 6. Museum of Science (USA), 7. Charles Hayden Planetarium (USA), 8. California Academy of Sciences (USA), 9. University of Maine (USA), 10. Versant Power Astronomy Center (USA))
Keywords:
Climate storytelling,Community partnerships,Immersive data visualization
Planetariums are uniquely positioned as trusted sources of science in their communities that are connected globally. Immersive data visualization allows audiences to experience the interconnectedness of our world, and all of the awe, wonder, and curiosity that brings. These qualities make planetariums key spaces for public engagement in humanity’s greatest challenge: climate change. Join us to explore questions like, How do we tell climate stories that are grounded in place, shaped by community voices, and inspire action rather than despair?
This panel brings together representatives from the Climate Stories project, an initiative supporting authentic collaboration between planetariums and community-based partners to co-create local climate narratives. These stories are paired with data-driven immersive visualizations that highlight the lived, cultural, and environmental significance of the climate impacts facing specific communities. Active partnerships in San Francisco, CA; Boston, MA; and Orono, ME are exploring how storytelling, local knowledge, scientific data, and equitable partnership practices can be used to transform how climate is communicated under the dome.
Panelists will share lessons learned, challenges, and successes in building trust with community partners, integrating local data and lived experiences into immersive visualizations, crafting emotionally resonant and locally relevant stories, and supporting audiences to move from awareness to hopeful action.
The objectives of this session are to:
(1) highlight emerging models for community-centered climate storytelling in planetariums,
(2) identify practical strategies for integrating local knowledge and scientific data, and
(3) spark conversation across the global planetarium community about fostering climate storytelling that is relatable, relevant, place-based, and hopeful without compromising scientific rigor.
Tentative Speakers/Panelists:
• Tiffany Stone Wolbrecht (AUI / Climate Stories)
• Dr. Shannon Schmoll (Abrams Planetarium, Michigan State University)
• Shawn Laastch (University of Maine)
• Jacque Benitez (California Academy of Sciences)
• Dani Leblanc (Charles Hayden Planetarium, Museum of Science)
Tentative Chair/Moderator:
• Tiffany Stone Wolbrecht (AUI), or a designated member of the Climate Stories leadership teamRequested Session Length: 60–90 minutes (panel discussion format)Participants will be invited into a discussion on how the global planetarium community can advance climate storytelling that is grounded in place, co-created with local partners, and capable of moving audiences toward hopeful, meaningful engagement with climate solutions.
This panel brings together representatives from the Climate Stories project, an initiative supporting authentic collaboration between planetariums and community-based partners to co-create local climate narratives. These stories are paired with data-driven immersive visualizations that highlight the lived, cultural, and environmental significance of the climate impacts facing specific communities. Active partnerships in San Francisco, CA; Boston, MA; and Orono, ME are exploring how storytelling, local knowledge, scientific data, and equitable partnership practices can be used to transform how climate is communicated under the dome.
Panelists will share lessons learned, challenges, and successes in building trust with community partners, integrating local data and lived experiences into immersive visualizations, crafting emotionally resonant and locally relevant stories, and supporting audiences to move from awareness to hopeful action.
The objectives of this session are to:
(1) highlight emerging models for community-centered climate storytelling in planetariums,
(2) identify practical strategies for integrating local knowledge and scientific data, and
(3) spark conversation across the global planetarium community about fostering climate storytelling that is relatable, relevant, place-based, and hopeful without compromising scientific rigor.
Tentative Speakers/Panelists:
• Tiffany Stone Wolbrecht (AUI / Climate Stories)
• Dr. Shannon Schmoll (Abrams Planetarium, Michigan State University)
• Shawn Laastch (University of Maine)
• Jacque Benitez (California Academy of Sciences)
• Dani Leblanc (Charles Hayden Planetarium, Museum of Science)
Tentative Chair/Moderator:
• Tiffany Stone Wolbrecht (AUI), or a designated member of the Climate Stories leadership teamRequested Session Length: 60–90 minutes (panel discussion format)Participants will be invited into a discussion on how the global planetarium community can advance climate storytelling that is grounded in place, co-created with local partners, and capable of moving audiences toward hopeful, meaningful engagement with climate solutions.